Exercise at specific times of day can reduce the risk of bowel cancer by 11%, a recent study has found. The study, led by experts from Regensburg University, analysed data from 86,252 individuals aged 42 to 79 who wore accelerometers to track physical activity. Over a 5.3 year follow-up period, 529 cases of bowel cancer were reported.
The researchers identified two peak times for activity, at 8am and 6pm, which were linked to a reduced risk of colorectal cancer. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, with around 120 people diagnosed every day. Professor Dr Michael Leitzmann, the lead investigator, highlighted the importance of timing in physical activity for cancer prevention.
Dr Helen Croker from the World Cancer Research Fund, which funded the study, noted the potential for developing specific recommendations on the timing and patterns of physical activity to reduce cancer risk. These findings open new possibilities for targeted prevention strategies based on exercise timing.
Bowel cancer, also known as colorectal cancer, can develop in the colon and rectum. The study emphasises the significance of physical activity not just in lowering cancer risk but also in the timing of peak activity during the day. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and provide individuals with practical ways to reduce cancer risk through exercise timing.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the importance of when we exercise in reducing the risk of bowel cancer. By understanding the specific times of day when physical activity is most beneficial, individuals can potentially lower their risk of developing colorectal cancer. This research opens doors for future targeted prevention strategies that could have a significant impact on public health.